WHY RUSSIA MATTERS

BY JAMES F. COLLINS, MATTHEW ROJANSKY

1. Russia's nukes are still an existential threat.

2. Russia is a swing vote on the international stage.

3. Russia is big.

4. Russia's environment matters.

5. Russia is rich.

6. One word: energy.

7. Russia is a staunch ally in the war on terror (and other scourges).

8. The roads to Tehran and Pyongyang go through Moscow.

9. Russia can be a peacemaker.

10. Russians buy U.S. goods.